Deciphering

Learn the meaning behind eco-friendly lingo

Sustainable agriculture is a system of farming that maintains the natural environment and resources; provides an income for farm families and communities; and respects workers, consumers, and animals raised for food. But how do you know if what you're eating is good for your body and the environment? Here's a quick lesson on what those labels mean:

Antibiotic-Free: No antibiotics were administered to the animal during its lifetime, neither to treat nor prevent disease.

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Cage-Free: Birds raised without cages, but not necessarily outdoors.

Free-Range: Animals that can go outdoors and engage in natural behaviors.

Grain-Fed: Cattle raised on a grain diet, instead of their natural grass diet, which might have other supplements in it.

Grass-Fed or Pasture-Raised: Animals that graze on pasture, eating grasses and no other supplements.

Organic: According to USDA standards, these are animals that have eaten only organically grown feed without any additives, have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics and have access to the outdoors.

Natural: Meat and poultry products that undergo minimal processing and do not contain artificial colors, flavors or other ingredients.